Argentina are on the verge of creating history to record 16th Copa America title, although they must overcome Colombia by getting three things right.
Argentina have been on an emotional ride since 2021 when they beat Brazil to reclaim the Copa America title from the reigning champions. Since then, they have overcome every obstacle in international football and are now on the verge of creating history.
For starters, La Albiceleste can become the holders of two continental cups and the World Cup at the same time, a feat last achieved by Spain between 2008 and 2012. Secondly, Argentina can become the undisputed champion of champions in South America as they can lift a record 16th Copa America title this weekend.
Heading into the tournament, bookmakers tipped them for ultimate glory and winning consecutive Copa America titles. Argentina have not disappointed, having reached the final. The road has been long but not certainly a difficult one for the world champions, as the only hiccup they encountered was against Ecuador in the quarter-finals, where they had to rely on Emiliano Martinez’s heroics in the penalty shootout.
Colombia have shown that they are no pushovers despite only a few tipping them to reach the finals when the tournament begins. Argentina may have a bigger task at beating Los Cafeteros than some might think, although they have the right quality and personnel to win the title. Still, Lionel Scaloni will have to make his best selection decisions. Here are three things Argentina must get right tactically to be crowned Copa America champions in consecutive editions.
Start Lautaro Martinez and Angel Di Maria
Lionel Scaloni has not tinkered with the lineup as much during this tournament, although he did make key tactical tweaks in the win over Canada in the semi-finals. While matching Ecuador’s cagey setup with his own, Scaloni showed he is fearless in changing his tactics for games, and he must now mix it well for the final against Colombia.
Lautaro Martinez is the tournament’s leading goalscorer while only starting two of the five games for Argentina here. He has been a shining light during the group stages, and despite getting the nod over Julian Alvarez against Ecuador, he failed to take his chances. On paper, Scaloni might start him on the bench against Colombia, something the Argentine manager should rethink.
Martinez gives a more direct option to the frontline, although Julian Alvarez’s goal against Canada does make him the favourite to start alongside Lionel Messi. Scaloni must make a bold statement by selecting the Inter Milan skipper, one for his experience and, secondly, for the motivation he has in the quest for the Golden Boot at this tournament.
Then there is Angel Di Maria, who provided some much-needed creativity from the right flank in the win over Canada. While he failed to get an assist or goal, his presence does allow Argentina to play more fluid football while making their midfield robust, as Alexis Mac Allister tends to join Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez as a three-man unit in the middle of the park.
An early goal is imperative
Argentina will have to pressure Colombia in this final, and an early goal always tends to create an imbalance. Colombia have been a robust side defensively, and their midfield has been up to the mark since the tournament began.
Allowing Los Cafeteros to run the game down and take it to penalties will only benefit them rather than Argentina. While Scaloni can further rely on Emiliano Martinez’s expertise, he might not want to take that risk and get an early goal to swing the momentum of the game.
An early goal will also allow Argentina to build a base upon which they could further exploit Colombia. They also have the mechanism of creating havoc in counter-attacking situations and have expert finishers up front to do the damage.
Meanwhile, Scaloni has a good enough and settled backline to contain the threat of Colombian attackers, meaning an early goal can help his backline with a clear objective after that. Overall, the quality of players in all positions does give Argentina a favourable chance to win this Final, although taking the lead early would boost their prospects.
Key midfield battles
Midfielders are essentially key in knockout games, especially finals, and Scaloni must get his selections right for this one. Argentina have lacked facing a top contender on the road to the Final. While Ecuador did give them a tough game, Colombia, especially with their robust midfield, will test their resolve.
Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios have proved a handful for Uruguay in the semi-finals. Colombia will look to create a similar atmosphere in the middle of the park with the dynamic duo, as Argentina must get ahead by giving Alexis Mac Allister a free role of sorts.
Enzo Fernandez might lack physical strength against the likes of Lerma, but Rodrigo De Paul and Mac Allister can compensate for that deficiency. Hence, as mentioned earlier, Di Maria’s selection will be key here, as Scaloni must not overload the midfield and keep the Benfica winger out of the equation.
Having a three-man unit gives Argentina the right balance and probably an extra man if Mac Allister is given that free role of sorts. It allows the Liverpool star to help push the team forward, while Fernandez and De Paul can manage the main battles in the centre of the pitch.
